Methods and apparatus for configuring scheduling on a wall module

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates generally to building control systems and, more particularly, to methods and devices for configuring and/or displaying parameters or other information such as menu screens on a programmable wall module of a building control system. In an illustrative embodiment, a configuration tool may be configured to create a number of screens for the user interface of the programmable wall module based on a number of user inputs received via the user interface of the configuration tool. In some cases, the number of user inputs received via the user interface of the configuration tool may be less than, and sometimes far less than, the number of screens that are created by the configuration tool. Regardless, with the number of screens created, the configuration tool may upload the number of screens to the programmable wall module for use on the user interface of the programmable wall module.

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/037,264, filed Feb. 28, 2011, and entitled“METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING SCHEDULING ON A WALL MODULE”,which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to building control systemsand, more particularly, to methods and devices for configuring and/ordisplaying parameters or other information such as menu screens on aprogrammable wall module of a building control system.

BACKGROUND

Building automation systems (BAS) are often used to help control certainsystems of a building. For example, building automation systems oftencontrol a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, inorder to control the comfort level within the building. In some cases, acontroller, such as an HVAC controller, may be connected to an HVACsystem to activate and deactivate one or more HVAC components of theHVAC system to control one or more environmental conditions within thebuilding. These environmental conditions often include temperature,humidity, and/or ventilation.

In many applications, information and/or parameters concerning the HVACsystem are displayed to users of the building, such as owners ortenants. However, the information and/or parameters that each class ofuser may see and/or modify may vary according to the specificinstallation or application. For example, in some multi-tenantbuildings, it may be desirable for each tenant to be able to view andmodify their temperature set point, while in other multi-tenantbuildings, it may be desirable for each tenant to be able to only viewtheir temperature set point. Configuring the information and/orparameters that are viewable and/or modifiable on aninstallation-by-installation basis can be a tedious and time consumingtask for many installers.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to building control systemsand, more particularly, to methods and devices for configuring and/ordisplaying parameters or other information such as menu screens on aprogrammable wall module of a building control system. In anillustrative embodiment, a configuration tool may include a controller,a user interface controlled by the controller, and an output portcontrolled by the controller. The controller of the configuration toolmay be configured to create a number of screens for the user interfaceof the programmable wall module based on a number of user inputsreceived via the user interface of the configuration tool. In somecases, the number of user inputs received via the user interface of theconfiguration tool may be less than, and sometimes far less than, thenumber of screens that are created by the controller of theconfiguration tool. Regardless, with the number of screens created, thecontroller may output the number of screens to the output port of theconfiguration tool so that the number of screens can be uploaded to theprogrammable wall module for display on the user interface of theprogrammable wall module.

An illustrative method may include, for example, communicativelyconnecting a configuration tool to a programmable wall module of an HVACsystem, displaying selectable configuration information to a user on auser interface of the configuration tool, allowing a user to makeconfiguration information selections via the user interface of theconfiguration tool; creating a plurality of screens for the programmablewall module with the configuration tool based on the configurationinformation selections made by the user of the configuration tool, anduploading the plurality of screens to the programmable wall module fromthe configuration tool.

The preceding summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of someof the innovative features unique to the present disclosure and is notintended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the disclosurecan be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, andabstract as a whole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing detailed description of various illustrative embodiments ofthe disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative system including aprogrammable wall module in communication with a building automationsystem;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative display that may beused in the programmable wall module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a table showing the various portions of the segmented displayshown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example ten segment digit andletters it may form by activating selected segments of the digit;

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative display that may be provided on the userinterface of the configuration tool for configuring schedule screens tobe uploaded to and displayed by the programmable wall module;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an illustrative tenant scenario for theprogrammable wall module;

FIGS. 7-36 are pictorial views showing some illustrative screens thatmay be displayed on the display of the programmable wall module;

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of another illustrative tenant scenario forthe programmable wall module;

FIGS. 38-43 are pictorial views showing some illustrative screens thatmay be displayed on the display of the programmable wall module; and

FIG. 44 is a flow diagram of an illustrative menu structure for acontractor/installer scenario 110 for the programmable wall module.

DESCRIPTION

The following description should be read with reference to the drawingswherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout theseveral views. The description and drawings show several embodimentswhich are meant to be illustrative in nature.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative system 10 including aprogrammable wall module 11 in communication with a building automationsystem (BAS) 12. The BAS 12 may include one or more heating, ventilationand air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, security, fire, or other buildingsystems components configured to monitor and/or control one or morephysical properties of the building, such as temperature, humidity,ventilation, building access, lighting, fire detection and/or firesuppression, etc. Example HVAC building components may include, forexample, dampers, valves, sensors, AC units, heating units (i.e.boilers, furnaces, etc.), and ventilators. Example security buildingcomponents may include, but are not limited to, detectors (i.e. motion,fire, smoke, glass, etc.), alarms, cameras, and security lights. Examplelighting building components may include, but are not limited to,timers, occupancy sensors, and light fixtures. Example fire buildingcomponents may include, but are not limited to, detectors (i.e. smoke,heat, air quality, etc.), alarms, and sprinklers. While the BAS 12 mayinclude multiple systems, for simplicity, the following description willbe described with reference to HVAC systems and HVAC system components.However, it is to be understood that the following features may be usedin combination with the lighting systems, security systems, firesystems, or other building systems, as desired.

In the illustrative embodiment, the BAS 12 may also include a controller17 configured to, for example, control a particular piece or group ofequipment, control a function, and/or control a region of the building.Controller 17 may be, for example, a specific purpose-built computerwith input and output capabilities. Such controllers may come in a rangeof sizes and capabilities to control devices commonly found inbuildings, and/or to control sub-networks of controllers. The controllerinputs may receive input signals (e.g. temperatures, humidity, pressure,current flow, air flow, etc.) and the controller outputs may providecontrol signals or commands to other devices or to other parts of thesystem. The controller inputs and outputs may be either digital oranalog signals, or a combination thereof.

In one illustrative embodiment, the controller 17 may be a HVACcontroller configured to control the comfort level of the building orstructure by activating and deactivating one or more HVAC components.Example HVAC functions that may be controlled by HVAC controller mayinclude, for example, HVAC schedules, temperature setpoints, humiditysetpoints, trend logs, timers, environment sensing, and/or other HVACfunctions, as desired. In some cases, HVAC controller may be athermostat, such as a wall mounted thermostat, but this is not requiredin all embodiments. In other cases, the HVAC controller may be a zonecontroller configured to control a certain portion of the building. Inyet other cases, the HVAC controller 17 may receive instructions (e.g.call for heat) from a wall module 11, and then control the HVACequipment (e.g. furnace) accordingly. Other suitable HVAC controllersmay also be employed, as desired.

In some cases, programmable wall module 11 may serve as a user orinstaller interface to the HVAC system (or other systems) of the BAS 12.Users may include, for example, building owners, building tenants,equipment installers and/or technicians. The wall module 11 may have theability to be customized so that selected or customized controllerparameters may be accessed and/or displayed at the wall module 11. Inother words, the wall module may be configured to access any number ofvariables or parameters of the controller 17 and the user/installer maybe able to view and/or change these variables at the wall module 11. Todo so, the wall module 11 can be in communication (wired or wirelessly)with the controller 17 to send and/or receive signals that correspondingto the parameters (e.g. schedule, set points, etc.). Specific customersand applications may be configured to provide different informationand/or permissions according to the information that a user may preferto see in the display (or home screen) of wall module 11. In otherwords, the wall module 11 may be configurable to let the user orinstaller choose the information presented on the display and whetherthat information is viewable only or also modifiable. For example, thewall module 11 may be configured to display schedules, set points,temperatures (e.g. indoor, outdoor), humidity (e.g. indoor, outdoor),CO2 levels, occupancy, fan status, and/or other parameters of HVACcontroller 17.

In the illustrative embodiment, wall module 11 may be a programmablewall module 11 and may be wall mountable, but these are not required inall embodiments. Further, while one wall module 11 is shown, it iscontemplated that any number of wall modules 11 may be provided, such astwo or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more,seven or more, eight or more, or other number of wall modules, asdesired.

The wall module 11 may include a user interface 14, a processor 15, andone or more sensors 16. In some cases, the one or more sensors 16 mayinclude a temperature sensor, an occupancy sensor, a humidity sensor, aventilation sensor, an air quality sensor, and/or any other suitableHVAC building control system sensor, as desired. The temperature sensormay be provided to sense the temperature proximate the wall module 11.The humidity sensor may be provided to sense the humidity proximate thewall module 11. The ventilation sensor may be provided to sense aproperty related to the ventilation proximate the wall module 11. Asillustrated, the one or more sensors 16 may be included with the wallmodule 11, such as within a housing (not shown). However, it iscontemplated that one or more sensors 16 may not be included in the wallmodule 11, as desired.

Processor 15 of the wall module 11 may be configured to display and/orconfigure the one or more parameters or settings of the controller 17via one or more screen. Example parameters or setting may include HVACcontroller schedules, temperature setpoints, humidity setpoints, trendlogs, timers, environment sensing, HVAC controller programs, userpreferences, and/or other HVAC controller settings, as desired. In somecases, the wall module 11 may also include a memory (not shown)operatively coupled to the processor 15 to store the one or moreparameter screens uploaded via the output port 9 of the configurationtool 13 or any other desired information, such as the aforementionedHVAC schedules, temperature setpoints, humidity setpoints, trend logs,timers, environmental settings, and any other settings and/orinformation as desired.

It is contemplated that the output port 9 may communicate with the wallmodule 11 and/or the controller 17 via a wired and/or wirelessconnection, as shown by dashed lines. In some cases, the output port 9may accommodate a portable memory (such as a flash memory), which may beinserted into the output port 9, and the one or more screens may beuploaded from the configuration tool 13 to the portable memory. Theportable memory may then be removed from the output port 9 of theconfiguration tool 13 and inserted into a port of the wall module 11 orthe controller 17, and the one or more screens may be uploaded from theportable memory to the wall module 11 or the controller 17, asappropriate.

Wall module 11 may store information within memory and may subsequentlyretrieve the stored information. Memory may include any suitable type ofmemory, such as, for example, random-access memory (RAM), read-onlymember (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM), Flash memory, or any other suitable memory, as desired.

User interface 14 may be any suitable interface that is configured todisplay and/or solicit information as well as permit a user to enterdata, make selections and/or make other settings, as desired. In somecases, user interface 14 of the wall module 11 may allow a user ortechnician to program and/or modify one or more parameters, such asprogramming, schedules, set point, time, equipment status and/orparameters, as desired. In some instances, the user interface 14 mayinclude a display and one or more buttons, such as, for example, a fixedsegment display and one or more soft keys. However, other suitable userinterfaces may be used, such as, a touch screen display, a liquidcrystal display (LCD) panel and keypad, a dot matrix display, alight-emitting diode (LED) display, a computer, buttons and/or any othersuitable interface, as desired.

When a fixed segment display and one or more soft keys are used, thefixed segment display may include one or more labels associated with theone or more soft keys for indicating what appears on the screen if theone or more soft keys are pressed or how the one or more keys adjust oneor more parameters. Although not shown, there may also be one or morededicated up and down keys for adjusting a selected parameter orsetting, depending on how the wall module 11 is programmed.

In the illustrative embodiment, a configuration tool 13 may be providedin communication with the wall module 11 and/or controller 17. Theconfiguration tool 13 may include a controller 5, a user interface 7that is controlled by the controller 5, and an output port 9 that iscontrolled by the controller 5. The configuration tool 13 may be usedto, for example, setup, program, and/or configure the programmable wallmodule 11. For example, the configuration tool 13 may be configured todefine the parameters or other information that is to be displayed inone or more screens on the wall module 11, the format of how theparameters or other information is to be displayed in the screens of thewall module 11, and/or parameter permissions (read only, read and write,hide), etc. In some embodiments, the configuration tool 13 may beimplemented in a general purpose computer, a workstation, a PDA, a smartphone, a handheld computer device, or any other suitable computingdevice, as desired.

In the illustrative embodiment, the wall module 11 may be programmableso that building owners/tenants and/or contractors can access differentfeatures, functions, and parameters from the single wall module platform11. A fixed segment display may be used to keep cost low while providingthe flexibility needed to meet user needs. The wall module's fixedsegment user interface 14 may be programmed based on settings determinedfrom the configuration tool 13 that a contractor uses when setting upthe overall building automation system. After the wall module 11 isconfigured and installed, a user (e.g., building owner, tenant,contractor, etc.) may access building automation system parameters andthus do not require a separate software tool to control and/or monitorcritical aspects of the system. The present wall module platform mayhave provisions for configuring the wall module 11 based on user needsor desires. The contractor may, for example, determine the amount ofaccess and configurability permitted to the users, which may include allthat are available to the contractor but often less.

In some embodiments, the user may choose from a number of different homescreen options within a single wall module 11 via the fixed segmentdisplay of user interface 14. In one example, a user may choose to showone, two, or three parameters. Each parameter may be labeled to indicateits purpose (e.g., room temperature, humidity, setpoint, and so forth).In some instances, changes may be made to the home screen by accessing amenu from the keypad, or it can be adjusted remotely with theconfiguration tool 13. Changes may be made if new occupants move into aspace, or if the HVAC equipment changes.

In some embodiments, the configuration tool 13 may configure the wallmodule 11 for each or at least some information coming into and goingout of the wall module 11. The contractor may, for example, select theengineering unit (Deg F./Deg C.) of a temperature sensor of the one ormore sensors 16. The wall module 11 may also need to know how to convertA/D (Analog to Digital) counts into a specific meaningful value todisplay on the user interface 14. In some embodiments, the wall module11 may be configured to have an engineering unit for each piece ofincoming data. The contractor, via the configuration tool 13, may selectthe engineering unit(s) to be shown for each piece of data on the userinterface 14 (L/S, CFM, INCHES, CM, %, PPM, KW, H, none). This itemcould be made generic as to what segments (temperature, setpoint,outside, and so forth) should be shown with the various pieces of data.In some cases, the wall module 11 may have no real knowledge of theunits of a piece of data, but may merely illuminate that appropriatesegments of the fixed segment display.

In some cases, the home screen choice may also be configurable. Forexample, with the configuration tool 13, the contractor may select homescreen choice 1 through x, but in some cases, this may also be changedby the contractor at the wall module. The contractor, via theconfiguration tool 13, may select what is to be shown on the homescreen. For example, there may be a system status option. When thecontractor, via the configuration tool 13, selects this option, an inputpoint may be added to a wall module function block. The contractorlogically connects this to the controller logic, which may compute thecurrent system status (off, cool, heat, reheat). The use of functionblocks is described in, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/670,911, filed Feb. 2, 2007, and entitled “System Level FunctionBlock Engine”, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/256,444, filedOct. 22, 2008, and entitled “Flexible Graphical Extension Engine”, whichare incorporated herein by reference. The contractor may assign thevalue (number) via the configuration tool 13 associated with eachsymbol. For example, Off=No segments=0, Flake=Cool=2, Flame=Heat=9,Flake+Flame=Reheat=7.

There may also be a system mode setpoint option. When the contractor,via the configuration tool 13, selects this option, an output point maybe added to a wall module function block. The contractor may logicallyconnect this to controller logic, which computes the system status. Ifselected, the system mode may be shown on the Home screen. One of thesegments, OFF, AUTO, COOL, HEAT, or EMERGENCY+HEAT, may be shown. Thecontractor can select the value of this setpoint. This may be done atthe configuration tool 13, and in some cases, can be changed by thetenant at the wall module 11. If selected, a soft key segment “System”may be shown. This may allow the tenant to change the system modesetpoint, if desired.

In some cases, when a tenant presses a “System & View More” key on thewall module 11, the system mode screen may be displayed (see screen 71in FIG. 8). All of the configured segments in the system mode may bedisplayed (OFF, AUTO, COOL, EMERGENCY, HEAT). The current system modesetpoint segment may blink. Pressing the up/down key may rotate whichsegment blinks. Pressing “Done” may save the selection. Pressing Cancelmay discard the selection. Pressing “View More” may save the selectionand go onto the first View More screen. The contractor, via theconfiguration tool 13, may assign the value (number) associated witheach symbol. For example, OFF=0, AUTO=1, COOL=2, HEAT=3,EMERGENCYHEAT=4. The contractor, via the configuration tool 13, mayselect which symbols should be shown. That is, for example, some systemsmay not have EMERGENCYHEAT, thus one does not need that symbol as achoice. The wall module could, for example, give choices like: 1) Heatonly (OFF and HEAT); 2) Cool only (OFF and COOL); 3) Heat and Cool (OFF,AUTO, HEAT, COOL); and 4) Heat pump (OFF, AUTO, HEAT, COOL,EMERGENCYHEAT). There may be other choices.

There may be a fan setpoint option. When the contractor, via theconfiguration tool 13, selects this option, an output point may be addedto a wall module function block. The contractor may logically connectthis to controller logic, which computes the fan status. The contractormay configure, for example, a 2, 3 or 5 position fan. The contractor mayassign the value (number) via the configuration tool 13 that is to beassociated with each symbol. For example OFF=0, ON=1, Speed 1=1, Speed2=3, Speed 3=3, and AUTO=4. The contractor may select the value of thefan setpoint. This may be done at the configuration tool 13, and in somecases, can be changed by the tenant at the wall module 11.

There may be an Effective Occupancy status option. When the contractor,via the configuration tool 13, selects this option, an input point maybe added to a wall module function block. The contractor may logicallyconnect this to controller logic, which computes the effective occupancystatus (occupied, unoccupied, standby). The contractor, via theconfiguration tool 13, may configure if the home screen reportseffective occupancy, or if the home screen shows commanded override ifoverride is in effect. If no override is in effect, then effectiveoccupancy may be shown. The contractor may assign the value (number),via the configuration tool 13, that is associated with each symbol. Forexample, Occupied=0, Unoccupied=1, Standby=3.

There may be an Occupancy Override option. When the contractor, via theconfiguration tool 13, selects this option, an output point may be addedto a wall module function block. The contractor may logically connectthis to controller logic, which computes the effective override. Thevalues may be, for example, Null=wall module is not commanding override,BYP=wall module is commanding timed occupied override, OCC=wall moduleis commanding occupied, UNOCC=wall module is commanding unoccupied, andSTDBY=wall module is commanding standby. The contractor may assign thevalue (number), via the configuration tool 13, that is associated witheach symbol. For example, Null=255 (−1), Occupied=0, Unoccupied=1,Bypass=2, and Standby=3. It may be necessary for the configuration tool13 to assign a value to the override, for example, Null. On the otherhand, the wall module 11 may be able to always initialize the value onpower up to Null, if desired.

If a home screen is chosen with time displayed, then the contractor, viathe configuration tool 13, may configure the 12/24 hour format. Theconfiguration tool 13 may add an input and output point to a wall modulefunction block to display time and set time. The configuration tool 13may add the appropriate parameter for the user to set the time. Thecontractor could create a series of various parameter screens that mayhave time information such as year, month, day, hour, and minute onthem.

Another configuration option may include “View More” choices. Thecontractor, via the configuration tool 13 or in a contractor mode at thewall module 11, may choose which parameters will be displayed as “ViewMore” items for the Tenant. The contractor, via the configuration tool13, may configure which parameter setpoints should be editable by thetenant in “View More”. Note that setpoints may be editable in aContractor mode.

In some cases, a configuration item may include parameter categories.For example, the contractor, via the configuration tool 13, may selectthe number of parameter categories. The contractor, via theconfiguration tool 13, may select the name of each parameter category.This may be up to 8 characters long in some instances. The contractor,via the configuration tool 13, may then select which parameters are ineach category.

A further configuration option may include a parameter value. Thecontractor, via the configuration tool 13, may select a parameter to bedisplayed. The parameter may come from a function block—in which case,the wall module cannot necessarily change it. Or the value may come fromthe wall module 11, in which case there may be a value for the wallmodule 11 to send to the controller 17.

There may be several types of parameter values which include: 1) inputswhich include occupancy status, system status, outside ambient (OA)temp, current time, schedules, and so forth; 2) sensors (outputs) whichinclude room temp, humidity, CO2, (and on non LCD/Keypad models, asetpoint knob, and perhaps an override key); 3) setpoints (outputs)which include a fan setpoint, a system mode setpoint, a humiditysetpoint, a room temperature setpoint, a CO2 setpoint, a time (this oneis unusual, as it is both an input and output); these setpoints may havevalues assigned by the user through the configuration tool 13, and thetenant and/or contractor may be able to change them at the wall module,and the configuration tool 13 may upload the current setpoint valuesfrom the wall module to update its database; 4) calibration parameterswhich include temperature offset, humidity offset, and CO2 offset; 5)configuration that the wall module changes which include home screenchoice and “View More” choices (e.g. a subset of all the parameters thatthe contractor can view and/or edit to control what the tenant may beable to view and/or edit, this subset could be all of the parameters,none of the parameters, or any number of parameters); and 6)configuration that the wall module does not change which may includeparameter categories, home screen choices, parameter names, high low,increment amount, segments, and/or other parameter values.

The contractor, via the configuration tool 13, may select what segmentsshould be shown for the parameter value. The configuration may allow forany or all of the miscellaneous segments to be shown (all but the alphanumeric). In some cases, the contractor, via the configuration tool 13,may select the high and low limits for an editable value. This mayinclude the set point on the home screen. The contractor, via theconfiguration tool 13, may select the increment/decrement value of eacheditable value. The increment/decrement value may also be referred to as“one unit”. For example, one unit=1, 10, 100, 0.7, 0.1, 0.5, 0.03, 0.01.This may include the set point on the home screen. The contractor, viathe configuration tool 13, may select where the decimal point is, XXXX,XXX.y or XX.yy.

In the illustrative embodiment, the configuration tool 13 can beconfigured to create screens for each parameter displayed on the wallmodule 11. The configuration tool 13 may be configured to automaticallycreate and/or configured at least some of the screens, such as thescreens relating to scheduling, which are to be displayed by the wallmodule 11. In some cases, the automatically created screens may becreated based on one or more user inputs received at the user interface7 of the configuration tool 13. For example, the configuration tool 13may be configured to pose one or more questions to a user, which theresponses may be used to automatically create the various screens. Insome instances, the number of questions posed by the configuration tool13 may be less than the number of screens created. More generally, thenumber of user inputs may be less than the number of screens that arecreated. For example, the number of user inputs may be 15 or less, 12 orless, 10 or less, 9, or less, 8 or less, 7 or less, 6 or less, 5 orless, 4 or less, 3 or less, 2 or less, or any other number of userinputs that is less than the number of screens that are created.

In many embodiments, viewing and/or modifying schedules using the userinterface 14 of the wall module 11 involves a series of screens eachdisplaying the schedule for each day. On a wall module, with limiteddisplay capability, this is usually done on a day by day basis and anevent by event basis within each day. In some instances, there may beseven days per week plus any holiday days and between two and eightevents per day, however, fewer or more events may be used. A holiday daymeans if today has been configured to be a holiday, then use the eventsin the holiday day instead of the events normally used for today. Theevent may be a time and a state in which the controller 17 is programmedto operate. In one example, viewing and/or modifying eight days of theweek with four events each day would require the user to configure 32screens. Each screen would have a label for what it is (For example“Monday Event 1”) and the corresponding time and state for viewingand/or modifying. Creating 32 screens with individual labels, linkingthem to the correct event(s), and setting who can access and edit eachscreen could be time consuming, tedious and error prone.

The illustrative configuration tool 13 may be configured to create the32 screens, or some other number of screens, without having to createeach screen separately. In some cases, the configuration tool 13 maypresent a series of questions or options to the user/installer that,when completed, the configuration tool 13 can automatically configureall the necessary screens for the schedule to be displayed on the wallmodule 11, and upload those created screens to the wall module 11 viathe output port 9 for display via the user interface 14 of the wallmodule 11. In one example, the configuration tool 13 may ask a user “Doyou want to view/modify scheduling at the wall module?” or similarquestion. If yes, the configuration tool 13 may ask the user “How do youwant the schedules displayed?” or a similar question. In some cases, theconfiguration tool 13 may display a number of choices including, forexample, 1) a 8 schedule (i.e. the 7 days of the week plus holiday), 2)a 5-2 schedule (i.e. Monday through Friday as “1 day”, Saturday andSunday as “1 day”, where all events for the “1 day” are programmed thesame), 3) a 5-2-1 schedule (i.e. Monday through Friday as “1 day”,Saturday and Sunday as “1 day”, and holiday), 4) a 5-1-1 schedule (i.e.Monday through Friday as “1 day”, Saturday as “1 day”, and Sunday as 1day), 5) a 5-1-1-1 schedule (i.e. Monday through Friday as “1 day”,Saturday as “1 day”, Sunday as “1 day”, and holiday as “1 day”), 6) a5-2-8 schedule (i.e. Monday through Friday as “1 day”, Saturday andSunday as “1 day”, then display the 7 days a week and holiday asindividual days—this allows the user to set Monday-Friday to the sameschedule and then go in and set an individual day differently), 7) a8-5-2 schedule (i.e. the 7 days of the week plus holiday as individualday, then Monday-Friday as “1 day”, and then Saturday-Sunday as “1day”), and/or 8) a 8-5-1-1 schedule (i.e. the 7 days of the week plusholiday as individual days, then Monday-Friday as “1 day”, thenSaturday, and then Sunday). It is contemplated that other displaychoices may be used, such as, for example, makingMonday-Wednesday-Friday as “1 day”, Tuesday-Thursday as “1 day”, orother combination of days.

In some embodiments, the configuration tool 13 may be configured toautomatically configure the language used for the wall module 11 or, thelanguage used for at least some of the screens of the wall module 11(e.g. schedule screens). For example, the configuration tool 13 may aska user what language should be used to create the screens and, based onthe answer, the configuration tool 13 may create the scheduling screens,or other screens, in the desired language (e.g. English, French, German,Spanish, . . . etc.). In some cases, the configuration tool 13 mayautomatically determine the language to be displayed from the languageused in the configuration tool 13.

In some embodiments, the configuration tool 13 may be configured todefine the schedule as being viewable only or modifiable and viewablefrom the wall module 11. In some cases, the configuration tool 13 mayconfigure the wall module 11 to have multiple user access levels andprovide separate view/modify settings for each access level. Forexample, when three user access levels are provided, a user with alowest access level may not be able to view or modify the schedules, auser with an intermediate access level 2 may be able to view but notmodify the schedules, and a user with a highest access level may be ableto view and modify the schedules. In another example, when two useraccess levels are provided, a user with a lowest access level may beable to view only or may not be able to view or modify the schedules,and a user with a highest access level may be able to view and modifythe schedules. However, these are just two examples and it iscontemplated that other user access levels or viewable/modifiablesettings may be provided.

In some embodiments, the configuration tool 13 may include an “Advanced”button to allow the user to customize the screens created by theconfiguration tool 13. In some cases, the “Advanced” button may accessother settings, as desired.

Another configuration item may include temperature, humidity and CO2sensor offsets. The configuration tool 13 may create parameters and aspecial category for these items. The contractor, via the configurationtool 13 and in contractor mode, may select the value of each offset.These could be in a separate area (file/table) in the wall module 11, sothat the configuration tool 13 can calibrate the device without readingor writing the other setpoints or configuration.

Still another configuration item may include schedule override. Thecontractor, via the configuration tool 13, may select what overrideoptions should be included. These options may include occupied override,unoccupied override and standby override. Occupied override may be timedin hours, days or continuous. There may be network bypass time support.If “timed” is chosen, the configuration tool 13 may select eitherstandard or delayed override. Standard timed occupied override may startthe timer immediately. Delayed occupied override may start the timerwhen the occupancy status changes from any state to unoccupied. Thetimer may remain as it was set until this transition. Note thatcontinuous may be a special case of “timed” in that the timer neverexpires. The configured timer value may be a special value thatindicates continuous. Unoccupied override can be timed in hours, days orcontinuous. Standby override can be timed in hours, days or continuous.

The functional design (display, function segmentation, button layout)may work to improve ease of use and access to building automation systemparameters. The programmable wall module 11 may contain three or anothernumber of soft key buttons located below or on the display with labelsthat configure, based on how the wall module 11 is programmed by theconfiguration tool 13. The wall module 11 may also contain an up/downbutton located below proximate to the soft keys to make selections andchange building automation system parameter values. Some selectablecharacteristics may include a configurable home screen with local wallmodule selection from amongst a defined set of options (numerous valuescan be shown with fixed segment labels), custom home screen programmingto show any number of building automation system parameters, auser-defined eight character alpha-numeric parameter description withoptional fixed segment labels, configurable fan control, configurableoccupancy selection, configurable system control, pre-defined wallmodule configurations for common applications, a multi-level menu andnavigation for viewing user defined categories and parameters,customizable views/permissions for building owners/tenants, and asecurity-controlled contractor mode for access to more advanced buildingautomation system parameters.

The illustrative wall module 11 may be programmable so that contractorscan access different parameters grouped into user-defined categories.The parameters that are assigned to each category, and associatedcategory and parameter labels, may be defined in the configuration tool13. The contractor may access the parameters from the programmable wallmodule 11 via a parameter menu. The parameter menu may allow thecontractor to first identify the category of parameters to access, andthen go to the individual parameters. This approach may help minimizethe probability that contractors and/or installers will select the wrongparameter, improve understanding of related parameters, and allowcontractors to quickly find the building automation system informationthey want.

As can be seen, and in an illustrative embodiment, the controller 5 ofthe configuration tool 13 may be configured to create a number ofscreens for the user interface 14 of the programmable wall module 11based on a number of user inputs received via the user interface 7 ofthe configuration tool 13. In some cases, the number of user inputsreceived via the user interface 7 of the configuration tool 13 may beless than, and sometimes far less than, the number of screens that arecreated by the controller 5 of the configuration tool 13. Regardless,with the number of screens created, the controller 5 may output thenumber of screens to the output port 9 of the configuration tool 13 sothat the number of screens can be uploaded to the programmable wallmodule 11 for display on the user interface 14 of the programmable wallmodule 11.

In some cases, at least some of the number of screens that are createdby the controller 5 may show scheduling information, and sometimes mayinclude a first menu level for showing days, and a second menu level forediting a selected day (see, for example, FIGS. 11-36). In some cases, anumber of user inputs received via the user interface 7 of theconfiguration tool 13 may include a first input for selecting whether aschedule is to be displayed to a user of the programmable wall module11, and/or a second input for selecting a one of two or more formats forthe number of screens. In some cases, a third input for determiningwhether the scheduling information is modifiable by a user of theprogrammable wall module or viewable only may be accepted via the userinterface 7 of the configuration tool 13. In some cases, the screenscreated by the controller 5 of the configuration tool 13 are allconfigured in a language that is selected by a user of the configurationtool 13, or assume the language used in the user interface 7 of theconfiguration tool 13. In some cases, the number of user inputs receivedby the user interface 7 of the configuration tool 13 is five or lessbefore the controller creates the number of screens for the userinterface 14 of the programmable wall module 11.

An illustrative method may include, for example, communicativelyconnecting a configuration tool to a programmable wall module of an HVACsystem, displaying selectable configuration information to a user on auser interface of the configuration tool, allowing a user to makeconfiguration information selections via the user interface of theconfiguration tool; creating a plurality of screens for the programmablewall module with the configuration tool based on the configurationinformation selections made by the user of the configuration tool, anduploading the plurality of screens to the programmable wall module fromthe configuration tool.

It is contemplated that the selectable scheduling configurationinformation may include one or more of the following: should the wallmodule 11 have access to the controller's schedules, whether a schedulewill be viewable by a user of the programmable wall module, whether aschedule is editable by a user of the programmable wall module, a typeof schedule to be displayed on the programmable wall module, and a stepchange size for a schedule if the schedule is editable by a user of theprogrammable wall module. Also, the plurality of scheduling screens maybe created with the configuration tool 13 using one or more predefinedlabels.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative example display 20 thatmay be used in the wall module 11. In FIG. 2, all segments of thedisplay 20 are shown. In some cases, a segment approach may be lesscomplex and less expensive than other approaches, such as the dotmatrix. However, dot matrix or other displays may be used, as desired.Also, and in some cases, the display may be a touch screen display.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 2, the display 20 includes threeareas 21, 22, and 23 corresponding to soft keys or buttons of the wallmodule 11. In the illustrative embodiment, soft key area 21 may display“PREV”, “DONE”, “SET”, “FAN”, or “HOME SCREEN”. Soft key area 22 maydisplay “EDIT”, “CANCEL”, “SET”, “OVERRIDE”, or “VIEW MORE”. Soft keyarea 23 may display “NEXT”, “SYSTEM & VIEW MORE”, or “PARAMETERS”.

Display 20 may include a system area including two parts, a status area25 and a system mode area 26 that may be displayed when so configured.The system mode 26 may include “OFF”, “AUTO”, “COOL”, “HEAT”, and/or“EM.” OFF may be displayed if the HVAC system is commanded off. AUTO maybe displayed when the HVAC system is commanded to auto mode. COOL may bedisplayed when the HVAC system is commanded to cooling mode. HEAT may bedisplayed when the HVAC system is commanded to heating mode. “EM. HEAT”may be displayed when the HVAC system is commanded to an emergency heatmode. The system status area 25 may include an icon, such as a flake anda flame, corresponding to a selected mode of the HVAC system. Flake maybe displayed if in the HVAC system is in a COOL or REHEAT mode. Flamemay be displayed if the HVAC system is in HEAT, or REHEAT mode. When thesystem is OFF, no symbols may be displayed.

Display 20 may also include an occupancy status area 27. If status area27 shows an effective occupancy, then the “Occupied” symbol may bedisplayed if in occupied mode, the Unoccupied symbol may be displayed ifin unoccupied mode, and the Standby symbol may be displayed if instandby. If the tenant is commanding an override, then the Occupied,Unoccupied or Standby symbol may be shown to indicate the command, theOverride symbol 28 may be shown on screen to indicate the tenant isrequesting override.

Display may include a fan setpoint area 32. The fan symbol may bedisplayed if area 32 is configured by the contractor. The fan symboldoes not necessarily stand alone. It may be present with at least one ofthe other symbols. Another symbol OFF may be displayed if the tenant orTool commanded OFF. AUTO may be displayed if the tenant or configurationtool 13 commanded AUTO. ON may be displayed if the tenant orconfiguration tool 13 commanded ON (2 or 3 position). BAR1 may bedisplayed if the tenant or Tool commanded speed 1 from the wall module(5-position only). “BAR1+BAR2” may be displayed if the tenant orconfiguration tool 13 commanded speed 2 from the wall module (5-positiononly). A BAR1+BAR2+BAR3 may be displayed if the tenant or configurationtool 13 commanded speed 3 from the wall module (5-position only).

Display 20 may also include a middle alpha numeric area 29 and a topalpha numeric area 33. As shown, a left portion of area 33 may contain avalue with the Room or Setpoint symbol optionally displayed. A rightportion of area 33 may contain a value with the Outside, Humidity %, orboth symbols optionally displayed. The middle alpha numeric area 29 mayoptionally display a value. The Setpoint, Temperature and/or Roomsymbols may be optionally displayed in area 29. Area 29 may alsooptionally display a unit symbol and/or a decimal point. In some cases,the middle alpha numeric area 29 may be limited to integer numbers only,such as positive numbers may be up to 4 digits. Negative numbers may beup to 3 digits with the middle segment of the left character serving asthe minus sign. Top alpha numeric area 33 may be designed to display alabel of up to 8 characters and a number on the left side or a number onthe right side or numbers on both sides. The present approach does notnecessarily require a mixture of labels and numbers, labels on the homescreen, or more or less than two numbers.

Area 29 may optionally display the current time including a colon. Timemay be displayed as configured by the Tool in 12/24 hour format. TheAM/PM symbols may be shown as appropriate. Areas 33, 29 and 28 mayoptionally display the Time Remaining and Override symbols if anoverride is commanded. The middle alpha numeric area 29 may be limitedon the display of positive numbers X, XX, XXX, XXXX, X.yy, XX.yy, X.y,XX.y, and XXX.y. Middle alpha numeric area 29 may be limited on displayof negative numbers: −X, −XX, −XXX, −X.yy, −X.y, −XX.y. Middle alphanumeric area 29 may be limited on the letters that can be displayed. Ifthe middle value is between −99 and +99 and it is configured with zerodecimal places, then the number may be centered. The minus sign, ifpresent, may be to the left. If the value fails to meet thesequalifications, it may be right justified. Examples of centering mayinclude blank 9 9 blank, −9 9 blank, blank −9 blank and blank blank 9blank. Examples of right justification may include blank 1 0 0, blank−1.3 and blank 2.34.

FIG. 3 is a table 38 showing the various portions of the segmenteddisplay shown in FIG. 2 indicating the area name, number of segments,and the segments. Fonts may be designed with nearly any number ofsegments. A smaller number may result in a lower cost display and/orwall module 11, but not always.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example ten segment digit 39 andletters it may form by activating selected segments of the digit 39. Theillustrative letters that may be formed are A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I,J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, with alternate K andN. However, it is contemplated that other forms of letters may also beused. Moreover, while ten segments are shown, it is contemplated thatdigit 39 may include a varying number of segments depending on the needsof a display. For example, some displays may suffice with a smallernumber of segments for each or some of the digits 39. For instance, aseven segment font may display A, b, C, c, d, E, F, G, H, I, i, J, L, n,0, o, P, r, S, t, U, u, Y, Z, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. K, M, Q,V, W, and X may be difficult to display in the seven segment font.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative display 40 that may be provided on the userinterface 14 of the configuration tool 13 for configuring schedulescreens to be uploaded to and displayed by the wall module 11. In somecases, the illustrative display 40 may be displayed on a PC as part of asoftware program. This is just one illustrative implementation of theconfiguration tool 13, and it is contemplated that other displays may beutilized to define the scheduling screens.

As shown in FIG. 5, display 40 may be part of the user interface 7 ofthe configuration tool 13, and may include a scheduling configurationblock 41, a schedule type block 42, and a schedule labels location block43. The scheduling configuration block 41 may provide boxes that, whenchecked by a user of the configuration tool 13, set the scheduleviewable by the Tenant and editable by the Tenant. The scheduleconfiguration block 41 may also have a schedule step size pull down boxthat may be used to define the increment/decrement of the schedule eventtimes. In some embodiments, the schedule step size pull down box may beadjustable when the schedule is modifiable by the tenant and, in somecases, may be grayed out when the schedule is not editable by thetenant.

The schedule type block 42 may help define the number of screens thatmay be uploaded to the wall module 11, such as, for example, screens foran 8 day schedule, a 7 day schedule, a 5-2-1 schedule, a 5-2 schedule,and a 5-2-8 schedule, as shown in FIG. 5. It is contemplated that otherschedule types may also be provided, such as, for example, a 5-1-1schedule, a 5-1-1-1 schedule, a 8-5-2 schedule, a 8-5-1-1 schedule, orother schedules. The schedule label location block 43 may be direct theconfiguration tool 13 to a predefined or selected file defining thelabels and/or other information for the schedule. It is contemplatedthat the file may be selected by an installer via the configuration tool13, or other manner of selecting labels or other information may beprovided.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an illustrative tenant menu scenario 44 forthe programmable wall module 11, which can be created by the controller5 of the configuration tool 13. As shown, the top level of menu scenario44 is a tenant home screen 45. The tenant home screen 45 may be displayby the programmable wall module 11 as a default screen, when no otherdata entry is underway, and/or when selected by the user. A home screenmay, if desired, display one or more parameters relating toenvironmental conditions such as indoor and/or outdoor temperatureand/or humidity, set points, time, equipment status, and/or any othersuitable parameter or setting, as desired. In some cases, the homescreen may vary depending on the HVAC system that the programmable wallmodule 11 is operatively engaged to (via the HVAC controller 17).

A tenant may access one or more sub-levels from the home screen 45 via a“system & view more”. When accessed, the programmable wall module 11 mayinitially display a system mode block 46. From the system mode block 46,the tenant may cycle through the schedule block 47 and, if provided, aview more block 48. From the schedule block 47, the tenant may accessthe programmed screens for the schedule. As shown, the schedule is setup to have a 5-2-8. With such a set up, the tenant may cycle through aMonday-Friday screen 57, a Saturday/Sunday screen 58, screens 59 foreach of the days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), and a holiday screen. The number, order,and other features of the schedule screens 57, 58, and 59 may beconfigured by the configuration tool 13. From each of the individualscreens, the tenant may go down one level and access the event screens60, 61, and 62 for each day/days. As shown, there are four events foreach day, however, other number of events may be used, if desired. Thenumber of events for each day may be entered in to the configurationtool 13, and the corresponding screens may be automatically generated bythe configuration tool 13. Although not shown, the event screens 60, 61,and 62 could be provided as two levels, a firs level to view the eventsand a second level to edit the events (e.g. time and state), similar toshown in FIG. 44. From the view more block 48, the tenant may access andcycle through a humidity screen 63, CO2 screen 64, and a humiditysetpoint screen 65. Again, the availability of the humidity screen 63,CO2 screen 64, and humidity setpoint screen 65 may be set by theconfiguration tool 13, and the corresponding screens may or may not beprovided when the screens for the wall module 11 are generated by theconfiguration tool 13.

From the tenant home screen 45, the tenant may access a Timed OccOverride block 52 (via an Override path 51) and cycle through an OccOverride block 53, an Unocc Override block 54, a Standby Override block55, a Cancel block 56 (if provided) and back to the Timed Occ Overrideblock 52. Again, the availability of the Timed Occ Override block 52(via an Override path 51) and cycle through an Occ Override block 53, anUnocc Override block 54, a Standby Override block 55, a Cancel block 56(if provided) and back to the Timed Occ Override block 52 may be set bythe configuration tool 13, and the corresponding screens may or may notbe provided when the screens for the wall module 11 are generated by theconfiguration tool 13. In some embodiments, the Cancel block 56 may bereplaced by designating a soft key as a cancel button.

FIGS. 7-36 are pictorial views showing some illustrative screens thatmay be displayed on the display of the programmable wall module 11, andwhich may be created by the controller 5 of the configuration tool 13.In some embodiments, the screens shown in FIG. 7-36 may bemanifestations of the some of the screens described in the tenantscenario of FIG. 6, using the segmented display shown in FIG. 2. Thesescreens can be created by the configuration tool 13, depending on theconfiguration settings entered by the installer into the user interface7 of the configuration tool 13.

FIG. 7 shows an illustrative example home screen 70 for the tenantscenario. The soft key area 21 displays “FAN”, soft key area 22 displays“OVERRIDE”, and soft key area 23 displays “SYSTEM & VIEW MORE”. Thesystem status area 26 shows “SYSTEM: AUTO” indicating that the system iscommanded to AUTO mode. The system mode area 25 shows the flake symbolindicating that the HVAC system is in COOL mode.

The home screen 70 may also include the occupancy status area 27, whichshows that the building is currently in “Unoccupied” mode. Thecontractor, via the configuration tool 13, may configure effectiveoccupancy to be always displayed or instead show the commanded overrideif in override. If status area 27 shows an effective occupancy, then the“Occupied” symbol may be displayed if in occupied mode, the Unoccupiedsymbol may be displayed if in unoccupied mode, and the Standby symbolmay be displayed if in standby.

Home screen 70 may also include fan setpoint area 32 displaying the fansymbol. As shown, the fan symbol may be accompanied by the word “OFF”indicating that the commanded state of the fan is off. Pressing a buttoncorresponding to soft key are 21 may change fan state 32. The fan statemay toggle between a 2-position Auto/On, a 3-position Auto/Off/On, or a5-position Auto/Off/bar1/bar1+2/bar1+2+3. The contractor, via theconfiguration tool 13, may define fan selection as none, 2-position,3-position, or 5-position. If none is chosen, then it may be that noneof the fan symbols 32 is displayed, the software key 21 Fan state is notshown, and the soft key area 21 is ignored in the Home screen. If a 2, 3or 5 position fan selection is chosen, then the Blade symbol may beshown with the fan setpoint value. Other fan position configurations maybe possible.

AUTO may be displayed if the tenant or configuration tool 13 commandedAUTO. ON may be displayed if the tenant or configuration tool 13commanded ON (2 or 3 position). BAR1 may be displayed if the tenant orconfiguration tool 13 commanded speed 1 from the wall module (5-positiononly). “BAR1+BAR2” may be displayed if the tenant or configuration tool13 commanded speed 2 from the wall module (5-position only). ABAR1+BAR2+BAR3 may be displayed if the tenant or configuration tool 13commanded speed 3 from the wall module (5-position only).

Home screen 70 may also display a Setpoint symbol and the set pointvalue in a left portion of numeric area 33. A right portion of numericarea 33 may display an Outside symbol along with the outsidetemperature. The numeric area 29 may display a value the roomtemperature and a temperature symbol indicating that the roomtemperature is displayed. In other instances, the humidity, currenttime, or other parameters may be displayed on home screen 70, ifdesired.

In some cases, the setpoint and/or fan may be adjustable on the tenanthome screen 70. For example, a home screen “Up” key (not shown) and ahome screen “Down” key may increment and decrement the setpoint in area33 by one unit. On the home screen, the setpoint segment may serve asthe identifier of which number is the setpoint. The value may be sent tothe controller 17 when the wall module 11 is confident that the tenantis finished. This may be either a time out (i.e., 10 seconds) with nokey presses or a key other than up/down is pressed. When the tenantpresses and holds the up/down keys 74, the display may slew. There maybe a slow slew rate and then a fast rate. The setpoint may, however, beconfigured to be in any area of the screen, such as the left side ofarea 33, the right side of area 33, or area 29.

In some cases, wall module 11 may be configured to limit the setpointnumber to the high limit and a low limit. Wall module 11 may incrementand decrement the setpoint of the controller 17 by theincrement/decrement amount. The contractor, via the configuration tool13, may define high limit, low limit, increment/decrement value. On thehome screen, a key press may be ignored if high or low limit would beexceeded.

As shown, middle key 22 may initiate override. If not in override,pressing the middle key 22 may show the first item in the override roundrobin. If already in override, the Cancel symbol may be shown inaddition to the Occupancy Override symbol. Pressing the middle key 22may cancel any override in effect. Once in the override screens,pressing the NEXT key (not shown in FIG. 7, but may be associated withkey 23) may again sequence to the next override option in the roundrobin. In some embodiments, the round robin may sequence to a CANCELscreen after the last option is shown, but this may not be provided.After the CANCEL screen (when provided), the round robin may sequence tothe first screen. If there is only one override option, pressing theOccupancy Override key may sequence between the one option and theCancel screen. In some cases, a “Done” segment may be shown to initiatethe override. For timed overrides, the appropriate symbol (Occupied,Unoccupied, or Standby) may be displayed. Override and Time Remainingsymbols may be displayed. The setpoint area may show the time remainingIt may be initialized to the low limit value. The times may be in Hoursor Days. The top alpha numeric area 33 may display the word “Hours” or“Days”, as appropriate.

Soft key area 23 may display “System & View More”. However, depending onthe configuration, soft key area 23 may display “View More”, “System”,or other suitable indicator. For example, if only the system modesetpoint is configured, then only the System symbol may be displayed. Ifonly View More is configured, then only the View More symbol may bedisplayed. If both are configured, then the System, &, and View Moresymbols may be displayed.

If system mode setpoint is configured, then pressing the System & Viewmore key 23 may go to the system mode setpoint screen 71 shown in FIG.8. The contractor, via the configuration tool 13, may enable the tenantto be able to set the system mode. The symbols configured by theconfiguration tool 13 may be displayed. The present mode selected mayblink. Up/Down keys (not shown) may allow the tenant to change theselection. The “View More” key may save and go to the “View More”screens. The right key 23 may change from “System & View More” to “ViewMore”. If there are no View More items, then the “&” and “View More”symbols are not necessarily displayed. The left key 21 may display“Done”. The middle key 22 may display Cancel. Top alpha numeric area 23may display a label such as “SYS MODE”. The system mode symbolsconfigured by the configuration tool 13 (OFF, AUTO, COOL, HEAT,EMERGENCY+HEAT) and setpoint symbol may be shown. The current systemmode selection may blink. The up/down keys of the wall module 11 mayenable the tenant to change the selection. If the tenant leaves the wallmodule in system mode setpoint for more than several (e.g., 10) secondswithout a key press, then it may go back one level (i.e., it returns tothe Home screen). Any change made to this screen may be saved.

If the “VIEW MORE” button is pressed from the system mode setpointscreen 72, or if the system mode setpoint is not configured, then thewall module 11 may display the schedule screen 72. In FIG. 9, top alphanumeric area 33 may display a label such as “SCHEDULE”. The middle key22 may be an Edit, which may access the schedule sub-level screens. Theleft key 21 may be labeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e.,return to Home screen). When in the SCHEDULE screen, in FIG. 9, theright key 23 may be labeled “NEXT”. In other cases, the right key 23 maybe labeled “VIEW MORE” or other suitable labels. One may save anychanges made to the value on the current screen. One can go to next ViewMore screen in the list. If there is only one entry in the View Morelist, then the Next key 23 is not necessarily shown.

If the “NEXT” key is pressed, screen 73 may be displayed on theprogrammable wall module shown in FIG. 10. As shown, top alpha numericarea 33 may display a label such as “VIEW MORE”, however, it iscontemplated that other parameters may be displayed, similar to theembodiment shown in FIG. 37. The middle key 22 may be an Edit, which mayaccess the View More parameters (e.g. Humidity, CO2, Humidity setpoint,etc.) for viewing and/or editing. The left key 21 may be labeled “Done”.The value changed on this screen may be saved and sent to thecontroller. One may go back one level (i.e., return to Home screen). Theright key 23 may be labeled “VIEW MORE”. In other cases, the right key23 may be labeled “NEXT” or other suitable labels. One may save anychanges made to the value on the current screen. When “VIEW MORE” ispressed, the wall module 11 may again display the schedule screen 72(shown in FIG. 9). In other cases, pressing the “VIEW MORE” key 23 maymove to the system mode screen 71, shown in FIG. 8, if desired.

FIGS. 11-13 are example screens that may be displayed when the “EDIT”key is pressed in the schedule screen 72 shown in FIG. 9, depending onhow the screens are configured by the configuration tool 13. Screen 74shown in FIG. 11 has the label “WKD-SCHD” shown in alpha numeric area33. Screen 75 shown in FIG. 12 has the label “MON-FRI” shown in alphanumeric area 33. Screen 76 shown in FIG. 13 has the label “M-F-SCHD”shown in the alpha numeric area 33. These are just examples, and it iscontemplated that other labels may be used to indicate that the screencorresponds to Monday-Friday schedule settings.

Each of the screens may have the left key 21 may be labeled “Done”. Onemay go back one level (i.e., return to Schedule screen). The right key23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move to the next schedule screen. The middlekey 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allow the tenant to edit the events forthe Monday-Friday schedule settings.

If the right key 23 is pressed in any of screens 74-76, screen 77 shownin FIG. 14 may be displayed on the programmable wall module. Screen 77has the label “SS-SCHD” shown in alpha numeric area 33, however, this isjust one example screen for the Saturday-Sunday schedule setting. It iscontemplated that other labels may also be used.

Screen 77 may have the left key 21 may be labeled “Done”. One may goback one level (i.e., return to Schedule screen). The right key 23 maybe labeled “NEXT” to move to the next schedule screen. The middle key 22may be labeled “EDIT” to allow the tenant to edit the events for theSaturday-Sunday schedule settings.

If “NEXT” is pressed in screen 77, then screen 78 shown in FIG. 15 maybe displayed on the programmable wall module 11. Screen 78 maycorresponding to the Monday schedule setting. Screen 78 has the label“MON-SCHD” shown in alpha numeric area 33, however, this is just oneexample screen for the Monday schedule setting. It is contemplated thatother labels may also be used. Screen 78 may have the left key 21 may belabeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return to Schedulescreen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move to the nextschedule screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allow thetenant to edit the events for the Monday schedule settings.

If “NEXT” is pressed in screen 78, then screen 79 shown in FIG. 16 maybe displayed on the programmable wall module 11. Screen 79 maycorresponding to the Tuesday schedule setting. Screen 79 has the label“TUE-SCHD” shown in alpha numeric area 33, however, this is just oneexample screen for the Tuesday schedule setting. It is contemplated thatother labels may also be used. Screen 79 may have the left key 21 may belabeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return to Schedulescreen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move to the nextschedule screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allow thetenant to edit the events for the Tuesday schedule settings.

If “NEXT” is pressed in screen 79, then screen 80 shown in FIG. 17 maybe displayed on the programmable wall module 11. Screen 80 maycorresponding to the Wednesday schedule setting. Screen 80 has the label“WED-SCHD” shown in alpha numeric area 33, however, this is just oneexample screen for the Wednesday schedule setting. It is contemplatedthat other labels may also be used. Screen 80 may have the left key 21may be labeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return toSchedule screen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move to thenext schedule screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allowthe tenant to edit the events for Wednesday schedule settings.

If “NEXT” is pressed in screen 80, then screen 81 shown in FIG. 18 maybe displayed on the programmable wall module 11. Screen 81 maycorresponding to the Thursday schedule setting. Screen 81 has the label“THU-SCHD” shown in alpha numeric area 33, however, this is just oneexample screen for the Thursday schedule setting. It is contemplatedthat other labels may also be used. Screen 81 may have the left key 21may be labeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return toSchedule screen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move to thenext schedule screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allowthe tenant to edit the events for the Thursday schedule settings.

If “NEXT” is pressed in screen 81, then screen 82 shown in FIG. 19 maybe displayed on the programmable wall module 11. Screen 82 maycorresponding to the Friday schedule setting. Screen 82 has the label“FRI-SCHD” shown in alpha numeric area 33, however, this is just oneexample screen for the Friday schedule setting. It is contemplated thatother labels may also be used. Screen 82 may have the left key 21 may belabeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return to Schedulescreen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move to the nextschedule screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allow thetenant to edit the events for the Friday schedule settings.

If “NEXT” is pressed in screen 82, then screen 83 shown in FIG. 20 maybe displayed on the programmable wall module 11. Screen 83 maycorresponding to the Saturday schedule setting. Screen 83 has the label“SAT-SCHD” shown in alpha numeric area 33, however, this is just oneexample screen for the Saturday schedule setting. It is contemplatedthat other labels may also be used. Screen 83 may have the left key 21may be labeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return toSchedule screen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move to thenext schedule screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allowthe tenant to edit the events for the Saturday schedule settings.

If “NEXT” is pressed in screen 83, then screen 84 shown in FIG. 21 maybe displayed on the programmable wall module 11. Screen 84 maycorresponding to the Sunday schedule setting. Screen 84 has the label“SUN-SCHD” shown in alpha numeric area 33, however, this is just oneexample screen for the Sunday schedule setting. It is contemplated thatother labels may also be used. Screen 84 may have the left key 21 may belabeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return to Schedulescreen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move to the nextschedule screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allow thetenant to edit the events for the Sunday schedule settings.

If “NEXT” is pressed in screen 84, then screen 85 shown in FIG. 22 maybe displayed on the programmable wall module 11. Screen 84 maycorresponding to the Holiday schedule setting. Screen 85 has the label“HOL-SCHD” shown in alpha numeric area 33, however, this is just oneexample screen for the Holiday schedule setting. It is contemplated thatother labels may also be used. Screen 85 may have the left key 21 may belabeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return to Schedulescreen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move to the nextschedule screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allow thetenant to edit the events for the Holiday schedule settings. If “NEXT”is pressed in screen 85, then one of screens 74-76 (shown in FIGS.11-13) may be displayed on the programmable wall module 11.

In the illustrative embodiment, the Tenant may also be able to configureeach day separately. For example, the wall module may continue to cyclethrough the individual days of the week and a holiday, so that theTenant can view and/or edit these settings. In some embodiments, theevent settings set under the Monday-Friday setting may be applied toeach individual day (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday).Similarly, the settings under the Saturday-Sunday setting may be appliedto both Saturday and Sunday. In this case, the Tenant can scroll throughthe individual days to change one or more of the individual events,while maintaining the settings being applied to the remainder of thegroup.

Each of the schedule day settings (e.g. Monday-Friday, Saturday-Sunday,Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, andHoliday) may be configured to have one or more events for that day/days.In the illustrative example, there are four events per day, but this isjust one example. It is contemplated that one event, two events, threeevents, four events, five events, six events, seven events, eightevents, or any other number of events may be provided for each of theday.

The Tenant may access the next sub-level menu for a specific day orgroup of days by pressing “EDIT” in the corresponding day. For example,if “EDIT” key 21 is pressed in one of screens 74-85 (shown in FIGS.11-22), screen 86 shown in FIG. 23 may be displayed on the programmablewall module 11. Screens 74-85 (shown in FIGS. 11-22) may be consideredfirst level screens, and screen 86 may be considered a second levelscreen in a hierarchical menu structure. Screen 86 may correspond toevent 1 for Monday-Friday. As shown, Screen 86 may have the left key 21may be labeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return toMonday-Friday screen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move tothe next event screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allowthe tenant to edit the event (e.g. value, state, etc.).

In screen 86, alpha numeric area 33 may display “MO-FR E1” and alphanumeric area 29 may display a time corresponding to the start time forthe event. Screen 86 may also display the effective occupancy state,such as “Occupied”, “Unoccupied”, or “Standby” along with acorresponding symbol.

Pressing “EDIT” key 22 in screen 86 may allow a user to edit the time asshown in screen 96 of FIG. 33. In this screen, the middle key 22 may nowbe labeled “CANCEL” to allow the tenant to go back one level and discardthe changes. Also, since the time may be editable, the time may blink.The up/down keys (not shown) may enable the tenant to change the time.The contractor, via the configuration tool 13, may define the label andincrement/decrement value of the time. The up Key may increment the timein a middle alphanumeric area 29 by a specified amount, such as 15minutes. However, other increments/decrements may be used as desired.Down key may decrement the time in middle alpha numeric area 29 by aspecified amount. In some embodiments, while incrementing/decrementing,the time just before noon and/or midnight may show dashes and theoccupancy symbol may not be displayed. If the uses presses Done at thispoint, the event may be set to null or unprogrammed. If the tenantleaves the wall module in System & View More mode for more than several(e.g., 60) seconds without a key press, then it may go back one level(i.e., returns to the Home screen). Any change made to this screen maybe saved.

Once the desired time is displayed in alpha numeric area 29, pressing“NEXT” key 23 will move to screen 97, shown in FIG. 34, and allow theTenant to modify the occupancy setting. Screen 96 may also display theeffective occupancy state, such as “Occupied”, “Unoccupied”, or“Standby” along with a corresponding symbol. Pressing the up or downkeys may cycle through the various occupancy settings. When the desiredoccupancy setting is displayed, the Tenant may press “NEXT” to return toscreen 96, or “DONE” to return to screen 86, changes may be saved andsent to the controller.

Pressing “NEXT” key 23 in screen 86 may display screen 87 shown in FIG.24 may be on the programmable wall module 11. Screen 87 may correspondto event 2 for Monday-Friday. As shown, Screen 87 may have the left key21 may be labeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return toMonday-Friday screen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move tothe next event screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allowthe tenant to edit the event.

In screen 87, alpha numeric area 33 may display “MO-FR E2” and alphanumeric area 29 may display a time corresponding to the start time forthe event. Screen 87 may also display the effective occupancy state,such as “Occupied”, “Unoccupied”, or “Standby” along with acorresponding symbol. Pressing “EDIT” key 22 in screen 87 may allow auser to edit the event, similar to as discussed above.

Pressing “NEXT” key 23 in screen 87 may display screen 88 shown in FIG.25 may be on the programmable wall module 11. Screen 88 may correspondto event 3 for Monday-Friday. As shown, Screen 88 may have the left key21 may be labeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return toMonday-Friday screen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move tothe next event screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allowthe tenant to edit the event.

In screen 88, alpha numeric area 33 may display “MO-FR E3” and alphanumeric area 29 may display a time corresponding to the start time forthe event. Screen 88 may also display the effective occupancy state,such as “Occupied”, “Unoccupied”, or “Standby” along with acorresponding symbol. Pressing “EDIT” key 22 in screen 88 may allow auser to edit the event, similar to as discussed above.

Pressing “NEXT” key 23 in screen 88 may display screen 89 shown in FIG.26 may be on the programmable wall module 11. Screen 89 may correspondto event 4 for Monday-Friday. As shown, Screen 89 may have the left key21 may be labeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return toMonday-Friday screen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move tothe next event screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allowthe tenant to edit the event.

In screen 89, alpha numeric area 33 may display “MO-FR E4” and alphanumeric area 29 may display a time corresponding to the start time forthe event. Screen 89 may also display the effective occupancy state,such as “Occupied”, “Unoccupied”, or “Standby” along with acorresponding symbol. Pressing “EDIT” key 22 in screen 89 may allow auser to edit the event, similar to as discussed above. Pressing “NEXT”key 23 in screen 89 may return to event 1 and display screen 86 shown inFIG. 23 may be on the programmable wall module 11.

FIG. 27 is an alternative Monday-Friday event screen 90. Instead ofdisplaying label “MO-FR-E1”, screen 90 displays “WKD-EVT1”. Othersuitable labels could also be used. Further, similar labels may beapplied to the other events (e.g. events 2, 3, and 4).

If “EDIT” key 21 is pressed in screen 77 (shown in FIG. 14), screen 91shown in FIG. 28 may be displayed on the programmable wall module 11.Screen 91 may correspond to event 1 for Saturday-Sunday. As shown,Screen 91 may have the left key 21 may be labeled “Done”. One may goback one level (i.e., return to Saturday-Sunday screen). The right key23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move to the next event screen. The middlekey 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allow the tenant to edit the event.

In screen 91, alpha numeric area 33 may display “SA-SU E1” and alphanumeric area 29 may display a time corresponding to the start time forthe event. Screen 91 may also display the effective occupancy state,such as “Occupied”, “Unoccupied”, or “Standby” along with acorresponding symbol. Pressing “EDIT” key 22 in screen 91 may allow auser to edit the event, similar to as discussed above with reference toFIGS. 33 and 34.

Pressing “NEXT” key 23 in screen 91 may display screen 92 shown in FIG.29 may be on the programmable wall module 11. Screen 92 may correspondto event 2 for Saturday-Sunday. As shown, Screen 92 may have the leftkey 21 may be labeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return toMonday-Friday screen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move tothe next event screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allowthe tenant to edit the event.

In screen 92, alpha numeric area 33 may display “SA-SU E2” and alphanumeric area 29 may display a time corresponding to the start time forthe event. Screen 92 may also display the effective occupancy state,such as “Occupied”, “Unoccupied”, or “Standby” along with acorresponding symbol. Pressing “EDIT” key 22 in screen 92 may allow auser to edit the event, similar to as discussed above with reference toFIGS. 33 and 34.

Pressing “NEXT” key 23 in screen 92 may display screen 93 shown in FIG.30 may be on the programmable wall module 11. Screen 93 may correspondto event 3 for Saturday-Sunday. As shown, Screen 93 may have the leftkey 21 may be labeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return toMonday-Friday screen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move tothe next event screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allowthe tenant to edit the event.

In screen 93, alpha numeric area 33 may display “SA-SU E3” and alphanumeric area 29 may display a time corresponding to the start time forthe event. Screen 93 may also display the effective occupancy state,such as “Occupied”, “Unoccupied”, or “Standby” along with acorresponding symbol. Pressing “EDIT” key 22 in screen 93 may allow auser to edit the event, similar to as discussed above with reference toFIGS. 33 and 34.

Pressing “NEXT” key 23 in screen 93 may display screen 94 shown in FIG.31 may be on the programmable wall module 11. Screen 94 may correspondto event 4 for Saturday-Sunday. As shown, Screen 94 may have the leftkey 21 may be labeled “Done”. One may go back one level (i.e., return toMonday-Friday screen). The right key 23 may be labeled “NEXT” to move tothe next event screen. The middle key 22 may be labeled “EDIT” to allowthe tenant to edit the event.

In screen 94, alpha numeric area 33 may display “SA-SU E4” and alphanumeric area 29 may display a time corresponding to the start time forthe event. Screen 94 may also display the effective occupancy state,such as “Occupied”, “Unoccupied”, or “Standby” along with acorresponding symbol. Pressing “EDIT” key 22 in screen 94 may allow auser to edit the event, similar to as discussed above with reference toFIGS. 33 and 34.

FIG. 32 is an alternative Saturday-Sunday event screen 95. Instead ofdisplaying label “SA-SU-E1”, screen 95 displays “SS-EVT1”. Othersuitable labels could also be used. Further, similar labels may beapplied to the other events (e.g. events 2, 3, and 4).

Although not shown, similar screens could be created by theconfiguration tool 13 for each of the individual days of the week (e.g.Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, andHoliday) and, once created, uploaded onto the programmable wall module11 via the output port 9 of the configuration tool 13.

FIGS. 35, 35A, and 36 show example screens 98, 99, and 101 of an unused,or null, event. For simplicity, this is shown only with reference toevent 1 of Monday, but could be implemented in a similar manner forother events. As shown in screen 98, instead of having the time andoccupancy state shown, alpha numeric area 29 may have the label “NULL”.In screen 99, instead of having the time and occupancy state shown,alpha numeric area 29 may be blank and the fan status area 32 may say“OFF”. As shown in screen 98, instead of having the time and occupancystate shown, alpha numeric area 29 may have dashes, such as four dashed“----”. These are just some examples and it is contemplated that otherlabels may be used, as desired.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of another illustrative tenant scenario forthe programmable wall module 11. As shown, the top level of this menuscenario is a Tenant home screen 100. The home screen 45 may be displayby the programmable wall module 11 as a default screen, when no otherdata entry is underway, and/or when selected by the user. A home screenmay, if desired, display one or more parameters relating toenvironmental conditions such as indoor and/or outdoor temperatureand/or humidity, set points, time, equipment status, and/or any othersuitable parameter or setting, as desired. In some cases, the homescreen may vary depending on the HVAC system that the programmable wallmodule 11 is operatively engaged to (via the HVAC controller 17).

The Tenant may access one or more sub-levels from the home screen 45 viaa “system & view more”. When accessed, the programmable wall module 11may initially display a system mode block 46. From system mode block 46,the tenant may cycle through the schedule block 47, a humidity screen63, CO2 screen 64, and a humidity setpoint screen 65. From the scheduleblock 47, the tenant may access the programmed screens for the schedule.

From the Tenant home screen 45, the tenant may access a Timed OccOverride block 52 (via an Override path 51) and cycle through an OccOverride block 53, an Unocc Override block 54, a Standby Override block55, a Cancel block 56 (if provided) and back to the Timed Occ Overrideblock 52.

FIGS. 38-43 are pictorial views showing some illustrative screens thatmay be displayed on the display of the programmable wall module 11. Insome embodiments, the screens shown in FIG. 38-43 may be manifestationsof the some of the screens described in the tenant scenario of FIG. 37.FIG. 38 shows an illustrative example home screen 102 for the tenantscenario. Home screen 102 may be similar to home screen 70 shown in FIG.7. If system mode setpoint is configured, then pressing the “System &View more” key 23 may go to the system mode setpoint screen 103 shown inFIG. 39. Setpoint screen 103 may be similar to setpoint screen 71 shownin FIG. 8. The right key 23 may change from “System & View More” to“View More”. If there are no View More items, then the “&” and “ViewMore” symbols are not necessarily displayed.

If the “VIEW MORE” button 23 is pressed from the system mode setpointscreen 103, or if the system mode setpoint is not configured, then thewall module 11 may display the schedule screen 104. In FIG. 40, topalpha numeric area 33 may display a label such as “SCHEDULE”. The middlekey 22 may display edit, which may access the schedule sub-screens. Theleft key 21 may be labeled “Done”. In FIG. 40, the right key 23 may belabeled “VIEW MORE”. In other cases, the right key 23 may be labeled“NEXT” or other suitable label. One can go to next View More screen inthe list. If there is only one entry in the View More list, then theNext key 23 is not necessarily shown.

The “View More” key may save and go to the “View More” screens. Examplesof “view more” screens, as shown in FIGS. 41, 42, and 43, may includeroom humidity percent screen 105, room CO2 PPM screen 106, and humiditysetpoint screen 107, respectively, or other suitable screens, asprogrammed by a contractor, and as automatically generated by theconfiguration tool 13. If provided, settings for each of screens 105,106, and 107 may be adjusted by pressing up or down keys. In each screen105, 106, and 107, the middle key 22 may be a “Cancel”, which may canceland discard any changes. The left key 21 may be labeled “Done”. Thevalue changed on these screens, if any, may be saved and sent to thecontroller. One may go back one level (i.e., return to Home screen) ifdesired. The right key 23 may be labeled “VIEW MORE” or, in other cases,could be “NEXT”. When “VIEW MORE” is pressed, the wall module 11 maydisplay the next screen.

FIG. 44 is a flow diagram of an illustrative menu overview of acontractor/installer menu scenario 110 for the programmable wall module11. As shown, the top level of menu scenario 110 is a contractor homescreen 111. The contractor home screen 111 may be display by theprogrammable wall module 11 when entered by a contractor or installer.In some cases, a set of rules may be resorted to for the contractor orinstaller. The contractor may enter contractor/installer mode by, forexample, pressing a special key sequence, and/or by entering a passwordor pin. The key sequence could be a number of keys pressed in aspecified order or two or more keys pressed simultaneously. The passwordor pin may include any combination of letters, numbers or othercharacters. The contractor home screen 111 may have the same or similarformat as the tenant home screen 70 of FIG. 7. The contractor may exitcontractor/installer mode by pressing the same special key sequence usedfor entering the mode. If the wall module is left incontractor/installer home screen 111 for a predetermined amount of time(e.g. 2 minutes, 3 minutes, four minutes, 5 minutes, or other amount oftime) without a key press, then the wall module 11 may exitcontractor/installer mode screen 111 and return the Tenant Mode screen.The timeout for the parameters screen should be sufficiently long toallow for the contractors to do their work.

Once in the contractor mode, the user may be shown the following softkey labels on the contractor home screen 111: “SET HOME SCREEN”, “SETVIEW MORE”, and “PARAMETERS”. When in the contractor mode, thecontractor/installer may access one or more sub-levels from thecontractor home screen 111. For example, from the contractor/installerhome screen block 111, keys 21, 22, and 23 may be available forselecting “SET HOME SCREEN”, “SET VIEW MORE”, and “PARAMETERS”, as shownin FIG. 44. The arrows are labeled 21, 22 and 23, respectively, for thehome screen options, the view more settings, and the parameters.Selecting key 21 may go to a number of blocks allowing the contractor toset the home screen. For example, the contractor installer may scrollthrough a home screen #1, option #2 and so on to option #N, where N maybe the number of options available in the system. The contractor mayselect a desired home screen for the tenant using the soft keys.

Selecting key 22 may go to a number of blocks allowing a contractor toset the parameters that are viewable by the tenant. Pressing the “SETVIEW MORE” key 22 from the contractor/installer home screen 111 may givethe “SET VIEW MORE” parameter #1. A word Yes/No may blink indicatingthat the setpoint may be viewed by the tenant. Pressing Up/Down keys maytoggle between Yes and No. If Yes is selected, then the tenant may seethis screen under the View More screens in the Tenant Mode. If No isselected, then the Tenant will not necessarily see this screen in theView More screens. In the latter situation, the screen may be availableonly at contractor/installer mode Parameters key. Pressing a “Next” keymay have the screen go to the next “SET VIEW MORE” parameter and savethe selection from the previous screen. The next “SET VIEW MORE” may beparameter #2. Yes/No may be selected for parameter #2 in a similarmanner as parameter #1.

Pressing the “Next” key may have the screen go to the next “SET VIEWMORE” parameter and save the selection from the previous screen. Thenext “SET VIEW MORE” may be parameter #3. Yes/No may be selected forparameter #3 in a similar manner as parameter #1. Example parameters mayinclude humidity, CO2, temperature, and other HVAC parameters.

Pressing a “Next” key may have the screen go to the next “SET VIEW MORE”parameter and save the selection from the previous screen. The next “SetView More” may be the schedule parameter. A word Yes/No may blinkindicating that the schedule may be viewed by the tenant. PressingUp/Down keys may toggle between Yes and No. If Yes is selected, then thetenant may see the schedule screen under the View More screens in theTenant Mode. If No is selected, then the Tenant will not necessarily seethe schedule screen in the View More screens. In the latter situation,the screen may be available only at contractor/installer mode Parameterskey. Pressing a “Next” key may have the screen go to the next “SET VIEWMORE” parameter, or in this case, return to the first parameter screen,and save the selection from the previous screen.

Pressing the Done key in any of the parameter option screens may resultin the value changed on this screen being saved and going back one level(i.e., returning to the Contractor/Installer Home screen 111). Pressingthe Cancel key may result in the value changed on the current screenbeing canceled (i.e., discarded), although all other changes made atthis level may be saved, and going back one level (i.e., returning toContractor/Installer Home screen 111). If the contractor leaves the wallmodule in the “SET VIEW MORE” mode for more than (e.g., 60) secondswithout a key press, then it may return to contractor/installer Homescreen 111 and save changes on current screen.

Selecting key 23 may go to a number of blocks allowing a contractor toset/change the parameters. Pressing the “PARAMETERS” key 22 from thecontractor/installer home screen 111, category 1 of the parameters maybe obtained. There should be at least one category configured to be ableto go into the Parameter category screen. The contractor, via theconfiguration tool 13, may configure the names of the parametercategories, how many there are, and what parameters are in eachcategory. The configuration tool 13 may set up some fixed categorieslike balance, sensors, setpoints, and limits if appropriate for theapplication at hand. Other categories, such as offsets, may be set up.

Pressing the “Next” key may take the screen into the next parametercategory. As shown, there may be “N” categories and then a schedulecategory. Pressing the “Done” key may return one level to theContractor/Installer mode Home screen 111. The parameter saving may bedone at the next level down. Pressing the “Edit” key may move the screendown one level into the category chosen. Here, the first parameter inthat category may be shown. If the contractor leaves the wall module inthe Parameter category mode for more than a predetermined amount of timewithout a key press, then it may return one level to theContractor/Installer Home screen 111. This timeout should be long enoughto allow for the contractor to do their work.

After entering a category, the “Edit” key may be pressed resulting inthe first parameter in that category being shown, such as Parameter #1.The value of the parameter may blink, if it's editable, indicating tothe contractor that it can be changed with the Up/Down keys. Pressingthe Next key may move the screen to the next parameter in the presentcategory, such as parameter #2. The value of the parameter may blink, ifit's editable, indicating to the contractor that it can be changed withthe Up/Down keys. Pressing the Next key may move the screen to the nextparameter in the present category, and this may be performed for all Xparameters. The contractor, via the configuration tool 13, may selectthe parameters, configure their names, determine how many there are,determine if certain parameters are editable, and configure the high andlow limits, units, and increment amounts. If the “Done” key is pressed,then the value changed on the parameter screen may be saved and sent tothe controller and the screen may go back one level (i.e., return to theparameter category screen. If the “cancel” key is pressed, then thevalue changed on the current screen may be canceled (i.e., discarded),although all of the other changes made at this level may be saved, andthe screen goes back one level (i.e., returns to level 1 Parametercategory screen).

Pressing the “Edit” key when in the schedule category may move thescreen down one level. Here, the contractor may scroll through the“days” of the schedule by pressing the “Next” key. Example days mayinclude Monday-Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Holiday, and/or other combination ofdays, as desired. Pressing the “Edit” key when one of the “days” isdisplayed moves down one level to allow a contractor to select an eventfor that day. As shown, there are four events for Monday-Fridayincluding event 1 (E1), event 2 (E2), event 3 (E3), and event 4 (E4).However, other number of events may be used. For this sublevel, thecontractor may scroll through the events by pressing “Next”. To edit oneof the events, the contractor can press “Edit” and then may edit thetime or the state of the event. If the “Done” key is pressed, then thevalue changed on the may be saved and sent to the controller and thescreen may go back one level. If the “cancel” key is pressed, then thevalue changed on the current screen may be canceled (i.e., discarded),although all of the other changes made at this level may be saved, andthe screen goes back one level.

It is to be understood that while the tenant and contractor menuscenarios are shown in certain orders, this is not meant to be limitingand other orders of screens may be used, as desired. Furthermore, it iscontemplated that other screens may be displayed by the wall module 11.Example screens and functions that may be employed are disclosed in, forexample, U.S. Ser. No. 11/957,253 titled “Configurable Wall ModuleSystem” filed Dec. 14, 2007.

Having thus described the preferred embodiments of the presentdisclosure, those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that yetother embodiments may be made and used within the scope of the claimshereto attached. Numerous advantages of the disclosure covered by thisdocument have been set forth in the foregoing description. It will beunderstood, however, that this disclosure is, in many respect, onlyillustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters ofshape, size, and arrangement of parts without exceeding the scope of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A configuration tool for configuring aprogrammable wall module of an HVAC system with scheduling information,wherein the programmable wall module includes a user interface with adisplay, and is configured to display a number of screens on the displaywhen interacting with a user during operation of the programmable wallmodule, the configuration tool comprising: a user interface comprising adisplay; an output port; a controller; the controller configured to posetwo or more queries to a user on the display of the user interface ofthe configuration tool, and to accept responses to each of the two ormore queries via the user interface; the controller further configuredto configure two or more screens for display on the display of theprogrammable wall module based at least in part on the acceptedresponses to the two or more queries; and wherein the controller isconfigured to upload screen information to the programmable wall modulevia the output port so that the two or more screens configured by thecontroller can be displayed on the display of the programmable wallmodule when interacting with a user during subsequent operation of theprogrammable wall module.
 2. The configuration tool of claim 1, whereinat least one of the two or more queries is in the form of a question. 3.The configuration tool of claim 1, wherein at least one of the two ormore queries is in a natural language format.
 4. The configuration toolof claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to pose a series of twoor more queries to a user on the display of the user interface of theconfiguration tool, and to accept responses to each of the two or morequeries.
 5. The configuration tool of claim 1, wherein the two or morequeries include a series of questions or options, and once correspondingresponses are accepted, the controller is configured to automaticallyconfigure two or more screens for display on the display of theprogrammable wall module.
 6. The configuration tool of claim 1, whereinat least one of the two or more screens configured by the configurationtool are to be used by the user of the programmable wall module toprogram a schedule of the programmable wall module.
 7. The configurationtool of claim 6, wherein at least one of the two or more queriessolicits a schedule type.
 8. The configuration tool of claim 6, whereinat least one of the two or more queries relates to one or more of aschedule view privilege and a schedule edit privilege.
 9. Theconfiguration tool of claim 1, wherein at least one of the two or morequeries relates to a configuration of a home screen for the programmablewall module.
 10. The configuration tool of claim 1, wherein theprogrammable wall module has a set of parameters that can be displayedon the display of the programmable wall module, and wherein at least oneof the two or more queries relates to which parameters of the set ofparameters are to be displayed on the display of the programmable wallmodule, and wherein the controller of the configuration tool configuresthe two or more screens such that the parameters that are to bedisplayed on the display of the programmable wall module are displayedon one or more of the two or more screens.
 11. A method of configuring aprogrammable wall module with one or more screens, comprising:displaying selectable configuration information to a user on a userinterface of the configuration tool; allowing the user to selectconfiguration information via the user interface of the configurationtool; configuring screen information for the programmable wall modulewith the configuration tool based at least in part on the configurationinformation entered by the user of the configuration tool; and uploadingthe screen information configured by the configuration tool to theprogrammable wall module so that screens configured by the configurationtool can be displayed on the display of the programmable wall modulewhen interacting with a user during subsequent operation of theprogrammable wall module.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein displayingselectable configuration information to the user comprises displayingselectable configuration options to the user.
 13. The method of claim11, wherein displaying selectable configuration information to the usercomprises posing one or more queries to a user on the user interface ofthe configuration tool, each with one or more selectable options. 14.The method of claim 13, wherein at least one of the queries is in theform of a question.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein at least one ofthe queries is in a natural language format.
 16. The method of claim 11,wherein the selectable configuration information includes one or more ofthe following: whether a schedule will be viewable by a user of theprogrammable wall module, whether a schedule is editable by a user ofthe programmable wall module, a type of schedule to be displayed on theprogrammable wall module, and a step change size for a schedule if theschedule is editable by a user of the programmable wall module.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the schedule type includes one or more ofthe following: a 8 day schedule, a 7 day schedule, a 5-2-1 day schedule,a 5-2 day schedule, a 5-2-8 day schedule, a 2-5 day schedule, a 8-2-5day schedule, a 5-1-1 day schedule, a 5-1-1-1 day schedule, a 8-5-1-1day schedule, and a 1-2-5 day schedule.
 18. A configuration tool forconfiguring a programmable wall module of an HVAC system, wherein theprogrammable wall module includes a user interface that is configured todisplay a number of screens, the configuration tool comprising: a userinterface; an output port; a controller; the controller configured toallow a user to select from two or more configuration options for theprogrammable wall module, and to configure one or more screens fordisplay on the user interface of the programmable wall module based atleast in part on the user's selection from the two or more configurationoptions; and the controller configured to upload screen information tothe programmable wall module via the output port so that the one or morescreens configured by the controller will be displayed on the userinterface of the programmable wall module when interacting with a userduring subsequent operation of the programmable wall module.
 19. Theconfiguration tool of claim 18, wherein the controller is configured toallow a user to select from two or more configuration options for theprogrammable wall module by posing one or more queries to a user via theuser interface of the configuration tool.
 20. The configuration tool ofclaim 19, wherein at least one of the one or more queries is in the formof a natural language question.